Care Level: Easy - Moderate
Temperature: 70 to 85F
pH: 6 to 6.5

Region:
The distribution range of A. baenschi is only fragmentarily known, for it is a relatively new species first collected by Japanese aquarists as late as 2002. This dwarf cichlid inhabits (although not exclusively) the Huallaga drainage basin in northwestern Peru, and specifically rivers in the vicinity of Yurimagas: Rio Hanusi, Rio Paranapura and the Rio Huallaga itself. In its natural environment, the species lives in acidic water with a pH of 4.1 to 6.3. Apistogramma bitaeniata is most often found in the upper and middle reaches of the rivers Amazon, Ucayali and Napo; it also inhabits the Amazon lowlands in Brazil, in the Tefe region. There are many color varieties of the species: yellow, blue, red and many intermediate ones. The appropriate pH for A. bitaeniata is around 6 to 6.5.

Care:
The dwarf cichlids I kept were wild-caught (FO), and it was difficult at first to accustom them to captive foods. For this reason, I gave them frozen larvae of Culex, Chaoborus and Daphnia, as well as adult Artemia and finely ground shrimp. Food containing ballast substances (chitin or cellulose) should predominate in their diet. These ingredients are necessary for proper nutrition:they prevent constipation and promote better absorption of various nutrients. Among these foods are spinach (cellulose), Daphnia and shrimp (chitin).

Reproduction:
Unfortunately, these species are not long-lived (like the majority of the Apistogramma). Their life spans — depending on the conditions in which they are kept — range from one to two years (there are always exceptions). Their reproductive ability develops relatively early for cichlids (at 4 to 5 months of age), but it also declines rapidly.

Food:
Apistogramma baenschi especially likes to dig in search of food, so use a sand substrate. There should be many hiding places in the aquarium, where the females can find shelter and where spawning may occur. For these reasons, include pieces of petrified wood and driftwood, as well as coconut shells. Dwarf cichlids look their best against a background of lush greenery, so add some plants, such as Java moss (Vesicularia dubyana) and Amazon swords (Echinodorus spp.)

The dwarf cichlids I kept were wild-caught (FO), and it was difficult at first to accustom them to captive foods. For this reason, I gave them frozen larvae of Culex, Chaoborus and Daphnia, as well as adult Artemia and finely ground shrimp. Food containing ballast substances (chitin or cellulose) should predominate in their diet. These ingredients are necessary for proper nutrition:they prevent constipation and promote better absorption of various nutrients. Among these foods are spinach (cellulose), Daphnia and shrimp (chitin).

Apistogramma are sensitive to poor water quality, which can lead to skin and fin disease, most often ulcers and fungal infections. These species do not tolerate malachite green, so if necessary, use some other medication. Monitor water quality and do weekly water changes of 40 to 60 percent. Even slightly elevated levels of nitrogen compounds usually cause these fish to become listless, timid and faded.